voted up and interesting I guess the way I overcome the change of my looks is my great and crazy personality lol

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Sassy, if we can teach the world to see our personalities before our physique, we've got it made! Unfortunately, the human race is attracted to attractive people based on their appearance. I fell into that attractive group once upon a time ago. Now not so much. It's been a reality slap in my face. And it's ME who is slapping my face!

Kim Grbac Diaz 3 years ago from Upstate, New York

hi there brave warrior...at 56, I feel your pain! It's not what you eat, it's the exercise thing...not like it used to be. I'd rather sit and write than to work up a sweat. Unfortunately, my body doesn't agree! Gravity isn't exactly our friend either...oh well...nice we can write and read about it...thanks for sharing! At least we're in this together-ha!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Kim, as a writer, that's what I do - SIT and write. Even when I worked in an office I had to get up out of my chair to go to the fax machine or the copier. I'd even gained weight then, but now that I work from home, Lordy Goshen! I need to either accept it or........

Being very close to age 56 has a lot to do with it, too. That's what strikes me. I see other women older than I who are as skinny as a rail. I guess it has to do with metabolism. I'm too old to defy the product of age at this point. I'm living my dream as a freelance writer. If gaining weight is a compromise, then I'm all for it!

billybuc 3 years ago from Olympia, WA

Nice job, Sha! Got no answers for you. I do what I can...I'll never again be my playing weight...but there is so much about me that I love that I just don't care about the other stuff. :)

love

bill

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Bill, that's where I'm trying to go. Nature does what She does as we age. As long as I have my mind and the will to 'reach for the stars', I need to let go of my vanity and to hell with anyone who doesn't see my beauty!

Lee Tea 3 years ago from Erie, PA

I'm looking at your first picture thinking about knitting a shirt that shape to show off my belly pooch this summer, probably with one of my longer flowing tattered gypsy skirts. I like my happy round belly, it's housed 2 babies!

I'm looking at your second picture thinking you're still sexy.

Let's just own it :)

LoveLee

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Lee, I wish I could see myself the way you see me. Or perhaps I should see myself the way billybuc sees me without ever having laid eyes on me!

By the way, I love the Gypsy style of dress!

Faith Reaper 3 years ago from southern USA

Love this, and I can surely relate. Great poem!

I'll have to come back as the photos are not showing up on my computer.

In His Love, Faith Reaper

dallaswriter 3 years ago from North Carolina

Great poem and I loved the cartoons! Here is a little something for you to remember....

So in the mirror, we once looked so grand, thin and firm and even suntanned...Hair just perfect, no wrinkles in sight and often we bounced back from staying up all night. But today we cheer and scream out loud, to hell with perfection as we embrace now.... For we may be thicker and our clothes a little snug, but rest assured, we give the best hugs!

Mhatter99 3 years ago from San Francisco

Great stuff! Just after I got married i started getting fat. So I went to the gym to take care of the problem.Then they complained I wasn't eating.

Ghost32 3 years ago

Shauna, I can understand--because that "early you" pic is absolutely HOT, and because my Pam doesn't like a lot of her physical changes very much, either.

But I kind of think maybe you (both of you) could be missing a point or two

My Little Red turned plenty a head back in yonder day

But I can say with total faith I like her better this way

Her hair is seventy percent gone; soon she'll need a wig

But the growth I've seen these last seventeen years is mighty, mighty big

She's suffered hard with pain and stress, psoriasis and breaks

Bone on bone from head to toe and a hundred thousand aches

Vitiligo makes her skin sometimes look like an Appaloosa

But in her heart where beauty starts she's a pure dee lollapalooza

The Flame of Life that's in my wife is sure to be in thee

The fickle bod is maybe odd--SO WHAT? I'm LIKING what I see!

It's not ephemeral flesh that counts; that's such a transient goal

The golden goal lies deep in Soul...and THERE you're on a ROLL

===========================

Uh, no, hadn't written that before, just whupped it out ad lib just now. :)

Voted Up and Over.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Faith, getting older certainly has it's down side. Thank goodness the mind is still in tact!

Dallas, I love your poem. I'll keep that in mind, for sure!

Martin, I have no interest in going to the gym. I have a stair stepper that I try to use a little every day.

Ghost, leave it to you to make me feel better! Love the ad lib - thanks loads!

RobinGrosswirth23 3 years ago from New York

Age is a humbling process for so many of us. However, if peacefulness has been your universe, the process will be kinder.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I'm fine with it, Robin; it is what it is. I was compiling poems for a poetry book I want to publish when I came across this. I thought it would be a kick to publish it as a hub!

Moesky 3 years ago from Amsterdam

At least you're not having to shave your frizzy grey chest-hair off.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

How do you know, Moesky? Ha ha - kidding! I guess there is an upside, huh?

shiningirisheyes 3 years ago from Upstate, New York

Shauna - You are still a "knock out" to me.

I do share your feelings about this strangers body I am carrying around with me. I often find myself uttering "now, where the hell did THAT come from"? "It wasn't there when I went to sleep".

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Beckie, I'd rather the hair on my arms grow than my girth and thighs. If I wanted saddle bags I'd buy a Harley!

shiningirisheyes 3 years ago from Upstate, New York

Yup - and if I wanted my face to look like a marionette, I'd draw lines on my cheeks - but Mother Nature has seen to it before I had the chance.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Yep, me too! How come men age so much more gracefully than women? In fact, they usually get better looking!

shiningirisheyes 3 years ago from Upstate, New York

Yes - they may age more gracefully but we continue to get smarter! LOL

lrc7815 3 years ago from Central Virginia

Shauna, I can relate. Where did those goold old days go and why on earth do they call these the golden years? lol Great poem!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Linda, I don't know! How do some older women stay skinny and I gained weight? Very unfair!! Now I think I know why they refer to older people as being of a 'ripe old age'!

ImKarn23 3 years ago

Yep...52 and living the life...LOL...

Man-o-man-o-manopause!

Listen, girlfriend - you're sexy just cause you're YOU!

And..i mean that!

While ghost32 and i have NOT always seen eye to eye politically(welll....more like NEVER...lol) - i absolute ADORE what he wrote about his wife!

up and sharing Shauna- you sexy thang you!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I love you, Leslie! :-)

DanaTeresa 3 years ago from Ohio

I TOTALLY CAN RELATE TO THIS! i have never been thin. but i was at least fit enough to wear a bikini, with little shorts. then i was forced to take a job at a call center. gained 60 pounds. then depression. more wieght. then pills - another 40 pounds. i am tipping the scale at 260 and i am only 33 years old. if it keeps on like this where will i be! and it all sort of just sneaks up. some days i feel so fat and ugly. so many of my clothes no longer fit or are unomfortable. UGH!

BUT.... I have a boyfriend that loved my saggy boobs, and my huge butt. He makes me feel sexy even naked. And I found clothes I like. And I try to make healthy choices every day. That is all I can do.

YOU ARE WONDERFUL WHATEVER SIZE YOU ARE! you are also human and will have moments of doubt that make for a GREAT POEM! remember to do good things for yourself, make good choices, love yourself and surround yourself with people that love you...

btw, voted up and across the board and will be sharing!!!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Dana, I love the fact that you have such a positive attitude. I don't even know if my clothes fit anymore. Now that I work from home, I wear sweats and baggy t-shirts all the time. God forbid I ever have to get dressed!

I eat healthy, but sitting on my ass all day has really put on the pounds - quickly! I'm only 5'2" so anything over 5 pounds sends me into a different size. I've gained 20 pounds since September and I hate it! HOWEVER, I am still me and if anyone judges me by the weight I've gained, then they are shallow people with whom I can't be bothered.

Another however: excessive weight gain takes a toll on the inner workings of your body and can be very detrimental to your health and can shorten your life. Something to think about.....

BTW, my brother's name is Dana!

Randy Godwin 3 years ago from Southern Georgia

Hey Shauna. I'm sorry, but most poetry has always been over my head. I liked this one though. I understand where you are coming from, even though I'm still rather "svelte" myself. lol!

Randy

MartieCoetser 3 years ago from South Africa

I am echoing your poem, bravewarrior. But only for this moment.

We can follow the example of Madonna, spending hours per day in the gym, but then what about all the living we're going to miss?

Being sexy is not necessarily living in a sexy body, but living/doing the sexy stuff.

Sadly, when I look at all my sexy photos - of those days - I can't believe that I was such an insecure wreck with so many issues. Everything was either work or implicitness.

Today I am a connoisseur, enjoying life with all my senses. And too hell with all the signs of aging! At least my excessive weight fills most of my wrinkles.

Martie, I like your 'perspective'! Do you think we can get Sir Mickey to include that theme in upcoming posts? :-)

Randy Godwin 3 years ago from Southern Georgia

LOL Shauna. I didn't specify what size of "svelte." :O Seeya!

--RG

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

You make me laugh, Randy. I'm so glad we're becoming friends! (Can I send you a PM?)

DanaTeresa 3 years ago from Ohio

Excessive weight gain is a bummer. All five or so of my doctors make me very aware of that. And they don't seem to have any great answers on what to do. Fibromyalgia and bipolar disorder are making things rough.... But I am optiistic and I am trying...

I know what you mean about working from home and wearing sweats. It is a bad habit! Try to get your beautiful buns out a few times a week. Even if you just go out and have coffee.

Thanks for sharing. And thank you for your support.

ps Your brother has an awesome name!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Dana, my son was named after my brother, whose middle name is Christopher. Isn't Dana Christopher melodic? I'll try to take your advice, but I spend more time working from home than I did working outside the home! The downfall is I have no fax machine to run to or scanner. I've got my office set up so efficiently I don't have to move!

I do have a stair stepper in here, tho. I just need to use it for more than 2 minutes a day!! :-(

lovedoctor926 3 years ago

Do you like riding bike? There are bicycle clubs that you can join and meet people with your same fitness goals as you. This can be a good motivator. A walk at the park several times a week can raise your serotonin levels making you feel good overall.

Gypsy Rose Lee 3 years ago from Riga, Latvia

You tell it well. Actually I am trying to lose some weight but I have pretty much resigned myself to just being the way I am and liking myself as I am. I really don't expect any miracles at mid-life and I certainly don't think I'll ever look like I did back in high school. But your poem brought on a really nice dream. Thanks brought me some fond memories and a smile.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

lovedoctor, I appreciate your comments. I don't have a bike. I have been making laps around my driveway in an effort to get in some exercise.

Rasma, I'm with you. That's about where I am with the weight gain. It's just a part of aging!

SimpleJoys 3 years ago

Wow can I relate! Lets always remember the old saying "beauty is in the eye of the beholder". Then we can hope that the "beholder" still thinks we are beautiful, even after many many years of changes!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I hear that, SimpleJoys!

Sueswan 3 years ago

Hi Shauna

I rather look fat than feel fat. I don't think I am fat but I feel fat.

One can see from your now figure that you are still slim and beautiful.

Voted up.

Take care :)

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Sueswan, since I started working from home, the pounds have found their way to my stomach. If it weren't for sweat pants and those with elastic waistbands I'd have to go naked! And at this point, that's not a pretty picture!

CrisSp 3 years ago from Sky Is The Limit Adventure

I hear you there my sister! Just turned 40 something (lol) and realized I'm still growing. Only this time, horizontally and not vertically. Lol! What do we do, eh? Much as I'd like to deny it, I'm embracing it instead.

I enjoyed this very relate-able one! Thank you for the good read with a giggle.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Cris, if you can't win 'em join 'em, right? I'm glad you got a giggle out of this. I've given up on trying to redirect my growth pattern also!

epigramman 3 years ago

...well you are still incredibly sexy and your literary sex appeal oozes out of every beautiful poetic orifice in your body and in your mind - I think we reach a certain age - I am 54 now - that we truly realize the beauty is found within and that is where it really shines and you always shine with your writing - sending you warm wishes and good energy from snowy cold lake erie time ontario canada 7:25pm

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Epigramman, your comment means the world to me. I am completely flabberghasted by the response this vain, yet not so vain poem has received. I'll be 56 in 29 days, so your comment is right on time!

epigramman 3 years ago

I will be 55 myself come May - and yes that picture of you in your cowboy hat and boots is something I will never forget .....you look like the leading lady for John Travolta in Urban Cowboy, that lucky dude.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Epigramman, that was taken at a company picnic a hundred years ago. We had a 'country' theme. I borrowed my mom's hat! Thanx for the compliment - you made my day!

epigramman 3 years ago

100 years ago? Gee I wish I had been there. I would have been the luckiest cowboy in the world.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I'm laughing out loud epigramman! I'd say it was really about 30 years ago.

epigramman 3 years ago

....well all I needed .... was 3 seconds ....when I first saw that picture - I fell off my chair and hit the floor and screamed: WOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I do believe you're flirting with me, epi, and I'm likin' it!

Anna Haven 3 years ago from Scotland

Fab poem, funny and also sassy at the same time. Judging by all these responses your beauty has shone through for loads of folk :)

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Anna, I appreciate you stopping by. I'm actually amazed at how many responses this quirky poem has received. Apparently, it's something many can relate to!

Anna Haven 3 years ago from Scotland

It sure is :)

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Unfortunate, but a fact of life nonetheless, huh Anna??

Anna Haven 3 years ago from Scotland

It is unfortunately, just as sure as the broken biscuits being calorie free ;D

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I love your train of thought, Anna! You made me laugh out loud with that last comment!

Anna Haven 3 years ago from Scotland

Laughing always works for me, stops me eating those said broken biscuits....

unknown spy 3 years ago from Neverland - where children never grow up.

bravo on this short but very relatable poem dear Sha!

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Thanx, Spy. But you're not fat! :-)

Sunshine625 3 years ago from Orlando, FL

Shauna, This poem is AWESOME!!! We have all felt like this on one day or another or all the time. Haha! Thanks for the laugh and I'm going for a walk! :)

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Linda, now you have me laughing. Going for a walk? Good for you!

Beth37 3 years ago

I dont know BW, you look pretty good to me.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Thank you Beth. The lower picture was taken last July. Time is taking its toll on my body, but I'm still the young girl inside!

Beth37 3 years ago

You still look beautiful. Truly.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

You're too sweet Beth!

christin53 3 years ago from UK

Great poem I know exactly how you feel. I'm still young on the inside but my body tells a different story.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I hear ya, Christin! I'm young and vibrant on the inside, but can't fit into clothes anymore! Working from home is great; I can wear my comfy 'ugly clothes' everyday! Thanx for the follow. I'll check you out shortly!

FlourishAnyway 3 years ago from USA

What a great sentiment that anyone of a certain age can identify with. I am with you -- never exercised before, don't think I will be starting it up now! Voted up and more and sharing.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

Flourish, I guess I'm fortunate to have had my hay day. Now, it's take me as I am or leave me alone. I hear ya, ain't gonna start doing the exercise thing now. At 56, that's not a new trick I'm willing to learn!

CraftytotheCore 3 years ago

This was great! Thank you for this enjoyable read.

bravewarrior 3 years ago from Central Florida Author

I'm glad you stopped by, Crafty! Glad you like this one.

peachpurple 20 months ago from Home Sweet Home

i used to weigh 60kg and paid the price to lose weight after I had gallstones. Now, I weigh 44kg. Lovely poem

Jeannieinabottle 19 months ago from Baltimore, MD

I remember a time when I used to complain because I could not gain a pound no matter how hard I tried. Those days are long gone! It is nice to know we are all going through it.

bravewarrior 19 months ago from Central Florida Author

Peach, sorry it's taken me so long to get to your comment. HP thought you were spamming me! Sorry you had to take such a hard road to lose weight. I hope you feel good now.

bravewarrior 19 months ago from Central Florida Author

Jeannie, I never wanted to gain weight. As you see by the opening photo, I was fit and had curves in all the right places. Now I look like my butt's on backwards. Age and sitting in front of a computer eight hours a day have really played a number on me. I not only feel fat, I am fat for the first time in my life. I really, really don't like that!

Sparklea 18 months ago from Upstate New York

Bravewarrior, Billy Buc says it all, he just loves himself so much he does not care about the other stuff...so many skinny drop dead gorgeous women have terrible personalities...they are so vain. The real beautiful people are the ones who smile and are genuine. That's you, I can tell from your writing and your comments. Loved the poem, you express how many women feel. God bless, Sparklea :)

bravewarrior 18 months ago from Central Florida Author

Lea, thank you for your kind words and insight. This poem was written on a whim, but expresses how I felt at the time (and often still do). Sometimes I look at myself and wonder what the hell happened!

fpherj48 18 months ago from Beautiful Upstate New York

This is a good find from 2 yrs ago......and here I come to the rescue GF....like a friend should! If you think it's bad after 50....wait until your 6th decade!

I NEVER knew that "things" could appear like magic, where they never were before......replacing of course, the positive things that did exist.

Oh My......it's much worse than Dorothy's "Lions and Tigers and Bears!!" Which reminds me.....Relax....it's all a nasty DREAM.

The truth is: Our happiness is in our hearts. The beauty is in our souls and comfort is "Home Sweet Home" where LOVE is all around.

Do you feel better??? Yeah, I know, me neither!! LMAO!..Love, Effer

bravewarrior 18 months ago from Central Florida Author

Paula, I DO feel better because you made me laugh. Laughter makes everyone beautiful!

Shyron E Shenko 17 months ago

Sha, I can relate to this, big time, thumb-up UABI and shared.

Blessings and Hugs dear friend.

bravewarrior 17 months ago from Central Florida Author

Shyron, I'm glad I'm not the only one. I guess one of the things we gain as we age is weight! Hrrrmph!!

Rolly A Chabot 14 months ago from Alberta Canada

Hi Sha...

Nice poem and you have nothing to be concerned of.

Yes our image is powerful at times far to demanding. I always prided myself in a slim body years back, but then I was very active. Hiking, climbing in the far off reaches. Today, well not so slim, less active but you know its fine. The recent Gallbladder removal surgery was an excellent reducing plan. I dropped 20 pounds in a matter of a few weeks. I am blessed to be ble to see my toes again. We all love you just the way you are Sha...

Hugs and Blessings

bravewarrior 14 months ago from Central Florida Author

Rolly, I was more active too. I danced alot and was always doing something when I was a biker chick back in the day.

I didn't know losing your gallbladder results in weight loss. I still have mine, so I guess I just have to resign myself to loving the older me!

ladyguitarpicker 13 months ago from 3460NW 50 St Bell, Fl32619

Hi, I feel like this poem really fits me, it is so true when a person gets older or sick. I use to be thin, it all ended at about 56. I am glad to be here and try and watch what I eat. Great hub and you look good. Stella

bravewarrior 13 months ago from Central Florida Author

Stella, I think many of us can relate to this poem. I wrote it in jest, but the truth in it is undeniable.

Thanks for the read!

Nadine May 12 months ago from Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Oh wow I can so relate to your poem. I know that I do need to watch out what I put into my mouth, but over Christmas time, that is almost impossible!

bravewarrior 12 months ago from Central Florida Author

I hear you, Nadine. I still need to do my holiday baking!

PegCole17 5 months ago from Dallas, Texas

Age really takes its toll, in particular, the tendency to put on those few extra pounds that are so tough to shed. I like to say that I'm trying to lose ten pounds and only have fifteen pounds to go. Your poem really speaks to the frustration of this.

bravewarrior 5 months ago from Central Florida Author

Peg, frustration has led to acceptance (and not daring to be seen in public in a bathing suit!).

Rolly A Chabot 2 weeks ago from Alberta Canada

Hi Shauna... I do think the general perception of the media and Hollywood have placed so many young lives in danger. Accept people right where they are... Well written...